In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Tisha Richmond — a culinary arts educator, author, speaker, and podcast host — for an inspiring conversation about rediscovering joy in teaching and creating learning experiences that students never forget.

After experiencing burnout, Tisha found renewed purpose through innovation, creativity, and connection. That journey led her to write Make Learning Magical, speak to educators around the world, and ultimately return to the classroom where her passion began.

• In this conversation, we explore:
• How to reignite joy in teaching
• The power of creativity, curiosity, and gamification
• Why every educator has their own unique "magic" to share
• Creating classrooms where students feel seen, valued, and inspired
• Finding the courage to say yes to unexpected opportunities

Tisha's message is simple but powerful: every educator can create meaningful learning experiences—and a little magic can change a student's life forever.

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Nyeisha DeWitt, Founder and CEO of Wizearly, for a powerful conversation about resilience, purpose, and transforming the future of education.

After leaving high school in the 10th grade, Nyeisha found her way back through education—a journey that led her to earn multiple advanced degrees and to dedicate her life to helping students at risk of becoming disconnected from school.

Today, she's combining lived experience, community partnerships, and AI-powered technology through Wizearly to help schools identify students who need support before they fall through the cracks.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How setbacks can become a source of purpose
• The realities behind chronic absenteeism
• Why schools and communities must work together
• How AI can help identify students before they disengage
• Creating systems that reconnect students and families with education

Nyeisha's message is clear: every student deserves someone who sees their potential, believes in their future, and creates a pathway for success.

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Shailee Patel, Director of Special Education Programs and Innovation at Novi Community Schools, for an inspiring conversation about advocacy, leadership, and reimagining what special education can be.

Inspired by her cousin with Down syndrome and the challenges her family faced advocating for equal opportunities, Shailee built a career dedicated to ensuring every student has access to the support, services, and environments they deserve.

She shares the story of creating one of Michigan's most innovative special education facilities—a space she affectionately called the "Taj Mahal"—designed to serve students from birth through age 26 with dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The power of advocacy in special education
• Why equitable access matters for every student
• Designing environments that support diverse needs
• Building innovative programs that keep students connected to their communities
• Creating a vision that transforms lives and families

Shailee's message is clear: belonging doesn't happen by accident—it is intentionally designed through advocacy, opportunity, and a commitment to seeing every student's potential.

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Darlene Akers sits down with Laura Alvarez, Support Sales Director at KiSP, for a conversation about career pivots, technology, and finding your place in an industry you love.

From growing up in Argentina and studying international trade to building a career in software and sales, Laura shares how following her curiosity and passion for people led her to the commercial interiors industry.

She reflects on the importance of relationships, the need to embrace change, and how emerging technologies like AI are creating new opportunities for designers, dealers, and sales professionals.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Following an unexpected career path
• Finding purpose in the work you do
• How technology is changing the design process
• The growing role of AI in the industry
• Why relationships remain at the heart of success

Laura's story is a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from saying yes to something new and trusting where the journey leads.

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Jill Lemond, Vice President of Education at Evolv Technology, for a powerful conversation about education, empathy, resilience, and creating safer school communities.

Jill shares her journey from teaching English language learners and leading innovation initiatives in public education to becoming a nationally recognized voice in school safety and security.

Following a tragic school shooting in her district, Jill found a renewed sense of purpose—helping schools navigate the complex challenges of safety while ensuring students continue to feel supported, connected, and able to learn.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The importance of empathy in education
• What it means to create a culture of safety
• Why relationships matter more than technology alone
• Lessons learned through leadership and adversity
• Balancing motherhood, purpose, and professional growth

Jill’s message is clear: safer schools are built through trust, relationships, and a shared commitment to protecting and supporting every student.

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Jennifer Wammack, Director of Outreach and Learning at BIFMA, for a conversation about design, sustainability, mentorship, and the power of staying curious.

From her beginnings as a textile designer to her leadership role helping shape industry standards, Jennifer shares a career journey built on creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

She reflects on the intersections of design and sustainability, the importance of industry standards, and how curiosity has guided every stage of her professional path.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How a career in textiles led to industry leadership
• The evolution of sustainability in commercial interiors
• Why standards matter in the built environment
• The value of mentorship and lifelong learning
• How curiosity can open unexpected doors

Jennifer’s message is simple but powerful: stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the impact of showing up every day with purpose.

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Darlene Akers sits down with Lacey Fischer, Vertical Market Activation Manager at Kimball International, to discuss educational spaces, career growth, and creating environments where students can thrive.

From starting her career in customer service to becoming a leader in the education market, Lacey shares how relationship-building, curiosity, and a passion for helping schools shaped her journey.

She also discusses the importance of thoughtful learning environments and how furniture, lighting, nature, and design all contribute to student success.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why does customer service build strong leaders
• The impact of intentional learning environments
• What educators aren’t taught about designing spaces
• How the ECLPS program changed her perspective
• Why collaboration is key to the future of education

Lacey’s message is clear: every space has the power to shape learning, connection, and student success.

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Kristen Riggs, CEO of Innovative EdTech Consulting, for a thought-provoking conversation about AI, teacher burnout, and the future of education.

With a background in zoology, outdoor education, and curriculum design, Kristen shares her unique path into education leadership and how the pandemic sparked her research into teachers’ relationships with technology and artificial intelligence.

What she discovered was surprising: the more teachers understood AI, the less likely they were to use it—driven by fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty around the future of teaching.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why teachers are struggling with AI adoption
• The impact of burnout and administrative overload
• How personalized professional development can better support educators
• The ethical challenges surrounding AI in schools
• Why AI may actually help bring humanity back to teaching

Kristen’s message is clear: supporting teachers starts with listening to them, understanding their challenges, and creating tools that give them more time to connect with students.

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Jessie Bushman, former Director of SEL at North Fayette Valley School District, for a heartfelt conversation about leading with love and transforming student support through social-emotional learning.

What began as a need to address student behavior challenges evolved into a groundbreaking SEL program focused on meeting children’s basic needs first, building trust, and creating what Jessie calls a “Circle of Love” around every student.

Jessie shares how her background in special education inspired her passion for helping children thrive, and how her district shifted from reactive discipline to proactive emotional support—creating calmer classrooms, stronger family connections, and students who genuinely love coming to school.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why behavior is a form of communication
• How meeting basic needs changes student outcomes
• The power of proactive social-emotional learning
• What it means to create a “Circle of Love” around students
• How educators can support both children and families
• Why leading with love can transform school culture

Jessie’s story is a powerful reminder that when students feel safe, supported, and understood, real learning can begin.

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Tracy Sabol, Founder and President of Connect the Dots Solutions, for a powerful conversation about courage, innovation, and creating meaningful impact in education.

From growing up in Wisconsin with a strong work ethic to building a successful career in insurance, Tracy shares how her non-linear path led her to take a bold leap—leaving behind a thriving business to start something entirely new.

She reflects on what it means to trust your instincts, embrace change, and build a business rooted in purpose—helping school districts uncover opportunities, reduce costs, and think differently about what’s possible.

She also shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of staying true to your values, and how her work continues to evolve as she learns and grows.

What you’ll learn:

• Why taking a leap of faith can lead to greater impact
• How non-traditional thinking can unlock new opportunities
• The role of trust and relationships in education
• What it means to build a business aligned with your values
• How small shifts can create significant change for school systems
• Why paying it forward matters in leadership and life

Tracy’s message is clear: when you lead with purpose, stay curious, and focus on helping others, you create impact far beyond yourself.